A comparison of lightwand and laryngoscopic intubation techniques in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective

To assess the effects of lightwand and laryngoscopic intubation techniques in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

300 ASA physical status I and II patients, undergoing LC, were randomly assigned to two groups, with 150 cases in each group. Patients in the LS group underwent endotracheal intubation using a standard direct-suspension laryngoscopic technique. Patients in the LW group were intubated by using transillumination with a lightwand. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded before induction, and at 1, 3 and 5 min after intubation. The incidence and of sore throat, hoarseness, and dysphagia was assessed twenty-four hours after surgery.

Results

This study demonstrated no clinically significant difference in cardiovascular variables between the two techniques. Patients had a significantly lower incidence of sore throat, hoarseness, and dysphagia when the lightwand was used for intubation.

Conclusion

This study suggests that lightwand intubation may decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and dysphagia, thereby potentially increasing satisfaction in surgical patients. Therefore, more frequent use of the lightwand is recommended for endotracheal intubation.